Petaluma Pilates Instructor Spotlight Vickie (Moore) D’Angelo

Instructor Spotlight

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Vickie (Moore) D’Angelo

Why did you become a Pilates teacher?

I first started taking Pilates for fitness. Very soon after beginning my program I realized how many benefits Pilates has outside of a typical fitness routine. my job was stressful, my commute was long and I was suffering from debilitating migraines. Pilates helped to calm my nerves, create focus on my breath, reduce my migraines and get me in the best shape of my life! The benefits of Pilates impressed me so much that I decided to quit my stressful job and dive into a Teacher Training Program. Having the ability to help others find joy and ease in their movements has been the greatest gift!

What do you like best about TEACHING Pilates?

My teaching philosophy is that Pilates should help you to do your daily tasks in life with more ease and joy! I love getting to know my students and what they enjoy doing outside of the studio so that I can create customized programs that will enhance their daily movements. There is nothing more fulfilling than being able to help someone move better and feel better!

What is your favorite Pilates exercise?

MERMAID! Any variation and on any apparatus. We spend so much of our time hunched over a computer or a car steer wheel so any chance to side bend and open your spine just feels great! I am currently working many of my students up to an advanced version of Mermaid on the Cadillac. My students are really enjoying the challenge and flow of the advanced exercise!

What do you like best about downtown Petaluma?

Working in Downtown Petaluma has allowed me to get to know many of the other business owners and employees. The sense of community Downtown is absolutely wonderful! I believe that Petaluma is home to many unique and special business which I am so happy to be a part of.

What is the hardest thing for you in Pilates?

Pilates is such an amazing movement practice because even the most basic movements can be so challenging. As I have advanced in my own practice my goal has always been to get deeper into front splits while keeping my hips square. I find it so challenging due to tight hip flexors, but am amazed at my progress over the years!

What are your favorite things to do outside of Pilates?

I love being outdoors whenever I can! If it’s gardening in my own backyard, hiking with my husband or taking our dog to the beach!

What are you working on right now to improve your Pilates practice?

In my personal practice I am working on controlling hyper-extension in my knees and elbows. I have a natural tendency to move beyond a normal range of motion in these particular joints. Learning to fire the muscles above and below my joints before I extend my arms and legs is so important for avoiding moments of hyper-extension. It is a constant battle between my brain and my body!!